Humoresque

This is from a piano concerto I wrote a year or so ago. I scrapped the other two movements and now there's only this.  The piano part, which is more fully developed now, represents the jester in this Humoresque, while the orchestra plays more of a straight man. But both are engaged in jokes and parody. But then, midway through, after having had enough of such irony, they tumble into child's play, never to return.

Nicely done Ken. (I'm noting your suggestions to me in the piece! :-) ). 

My only critique would be that once the piano starts at letter A, there's no let up throughout the piece.  I would have liked a few spots for the orchestra to carry for a while as well as a few more piano only spots.

That being said, the interplay between soloist and ensemble was very well done.  It followed your narrative well.

Thank you. Yes, it's pretty much wall to wall piano. I tried to vary it between piano focus and blending into the ensemble. I just hope it wasn't boring.

The opening is surprisingly "serious" considering the title. Even later, although showing some lighter-toned approach which I don't find really humorous in general, but more relaxing and joyful without any neccessity of being ironic, grotesque or malicious. The more proper title would probably be "Summer Music" or similar. :)

Throughout the piece you develop sort-of Shostakovich or Kalevi Aho style with a bit of polyphony of two different layers, one being for piano and one for orchestra. It is overtly enjoyable piece but the real climax is missing.

On 6/26/2016 at 6:40 AM, Sojar Voglar said:

The opening is surprisingly "serious" considering the title. Even later, although showing some lighter-toned approach which I don't find really humorous in general, but more relaxing and joyful without any neccessity of being ironic, grotesque or malicious. The more proper title would probably be "Summer Music" or similar. :)

Throughout the piece you develop sort-of Shostakovich or Kalevi Aho style with a bit of polyphony of two different layers, one being for piano and one for orchestra. It is overtly enjoyable piece but the real climax is missing.

 

I don't listen to Shostakovich and never have. I 'm not familiar with the other fellow you mention either. Sorry that the humor was lost on you. I think you are defining its parameters a bit too rigidly.

15 hours ago, Ken320 said:

I don't listen to Shostakovich and never have. I 'm not familiar with the other fellow you mention either. Sorry that the humor was lost on you. I think you are defining its parameters a bit too rigidly.

 

I get it. As far as Kalevi Aho is concerned, he is currently the finest Finnish orchestral composer. I am quite a fan of his music.